Joint Pain Treatment Specialist in Rapid City, SD

A variety of conditions and factors can be behind your joint pain. Some of the most common reasons for this type of discomfort include:

• Trauma – If you sustain an injury, such as a sprain, dislocation, or fracture, it can cause joint pain. Trauma to a joint can cause damage to the cartilage, tendons, and ligaments and lead to chronic pain and reduced mobility.
• Overuse – Activities that involve repetitive movements or excessive strain on the joints, such as running, lifting heavy objects, or playing certain sports, can cause joint pain. If your occupation requires you to perform repetitive movements, you are at a higher risk of developing a joint condition.
• Arthritis – One of the most common causes of joint pain is arthritis, which is a condition that causes inflammation and damage to the joints.
• Autoimmune conditions – Certain autoimmune disorders, such as lupus and scleroderma, can cause joint pain due to the immune system mistakenly targeting healthy cells.
• Osteoporosis – This condition can cause joint pain due to weakened bones and joint deformation. 
• Nerve compression – In conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome, nerve compression in the joint can lead to chronic pain.

Certain risk factors increase the likelihood of developing joint pain, such as:

• Age – As people age, joint pain becomes more common. This is due to wear and tear that accumulates on the joint structures over time.
• Genetics – If you have a family history of joint-related conditions, you are more likely to develop joint pain. Genetic factors can predispose you to certain conditions, like osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis.
• Obesity – Excess weight is a risk factor for joint pain as it adds stress to the joints. Individuals who are overweight or obese are more likely to develop pain in their knees and hips.
• Overuse – If you engage in heavy lifting or repetitive movement often, you are at a higher risk of developing joint conditions like tendonitis and bursitis.
• Gender – Some joint conditions are more common in women than in men, and vice versa. For example, gout is more common in men, while rheumatoid arthritis is more common in women.
• Previous injuries – If you have experienced injuries to the joint in the past, it is more likely that you will develop pain in that joint later on.
• Lack of physical activity – People who don’t get enough exercise are at an increased risk of developing symptoms such as joint stiffness and muscle weakness.

Medical professionals use a variety of approaches to alleviate joint pain. The specialist will begin by diagnosing the root cause of your discomfort. The diagnostic process helps the doctor determine which approach is best for addressing your symptoms.

Depending on the cause of your symptoms and their severity, the expert may recommend medication, weight management, physical therapy, steroid injections, or surgical interventions. In addition to these approaches, healthcare professionals recommend that patients adopt certain lifestyle modifications to ensure the best outcomes. This means adjusting certain activities to reduce joint stress and leading a healthier lifestyle. 

It’s encouraged to see a doctor about joint pain as soon as you notice any concerns. For example, if you notice persistent pain, redness, or swelling around one or more joints, you should come in for an evaluation. If your joint pain is accompanied by other symptoms, such as fever, chronic fatigue, or weight loss, it is especially important to see a doctor, as it could signify a more serious underlying issue.

Furthermore, if you have certain risk factors, such as a family history of joint conditions or previous injuries, you should consult a healthcare professional if you start to notice any symptoms. By receiving timely medical evaluation and treatment, you can improve outcomes and prevent further complications. To get started on the journey to living with less pain, contact us or book an appointment online. We are conveniently located at 101 E Minnesota St. Rapid City, SD 57701. We serve patients from Rapid City SD, Rapid Valley SD, Black Hawk SD, Box Elder SD, and surrounding areas.